Outlook 2007: 2 computers, 1 PST file

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G

Guest

When using two computers (such as one at home and one at the office), Outlook
2007 works reasonably well when sharing a PST file that is saved on a
portable drive. There are two exceptions, the first of which is a bug:
1. Rules for sorting incoming mail into sub-folders provide a feature for
"this machine only," which is intended to enable the use of a network drive
or similar situation. However, it usually does not work when using only one
PST file between two computers. The specification of "this machine only"
usually (if not always) is ignored; regardless of where I created the rule,
the rule is processed, and, if it is processed on a different machine from
where I created it, it becomes corrupted. (The one variable that I have not
isolated is that I have a second PST file on one of the machines, but not the
second.) When processing the rule, there is a po-up "Errors in rules"
message. Simply going into the rule settings and reapplying the rule
restores the functionality of the individual rule, but renders the concept of
rules nearly worthless due to the tedium of needing to reset the rules twice
a day.

2. There is no way to store the business contact manager database on a
network drive. This is a major issue for many small businesses that cannot
dedicate a full computer to being a server, or for users who want to be able
to take their database with them on a portable drive.

Thank you!

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1. You're assuming that is the intention - its not since network access is
not supported. Its for multiple exchange accts when moving messages to
psts, since psts will only be on "this" machine and rules are stored in the
mailbox. Copying the second pst to the other system will allow it to work
correctly.

2. BCM does not require a dedicated server. SQL databases are not intended
to be portable. If you need a portable CRM, there are other options that may
meet your needs better.
 
Diane and Eric,

I realize that almost 9 months have passed since this original post, but my
issue is a similar environment with a traveling professional who transfers
his PST from his SOHO home office to his notebook. He now has Office 2007 and
Vista Business on both machines and is still annoyed by rules that do not
work without an extra step. What annoys me even more is that I cannot figure
out why some rules work fine and others need to be re-checked every time my
customer changes machines.

Isn't there some way to tell Outlook 2007 that there is no Exchange Server
in his environment so "on this machine" and "on other machine" will not
appear in his rules?
 
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